The Pledge of Allegiance was given and the meeting called to order at 8:45 a.m.

The agenda was reviewed for conflicts; none were noted. All Motions Recorded In These Minutes Were By Unanimous Vote, Unless Otherwise Stated.

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Nabholz to enter executive session for personnel as per SDCL 1-25-2 at 8:45 a.m.

Joe Allen entered the meeting at 8:47 a.m.

Commissioners returned to the regular meeting at 8:55 a.m.

Motion made by Abbott, seconded by Russell, to approve the agenda as written.

Motion made by Nabholz, seconded by Russell, to approve the minutes of July 18, 2017.

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Abbott, to approve the June 30, 2017 Auditor’s Account with the County Treasurer.

Auditor’s Account With The County Treasurer

To The Honorable Board Of County Commissioners Of Fall River County:

I hereby submit the following report of my examination of the cash and cash items in the hands of the County Treasurer of this County on this 30th day of June, 2017.

Total Amt of Deposit in First Interstate Bank: $967,444.88; Total Amount of Cash: $4,809.09; Total Amount of Treasurer’s Change Fund: $900.00; Total Amount of Checks in Treasurer’s; Possession Not Exceeding Three Days: $16,460.45

County Monies: $7,196,522.64; Held for other Entities: $147,409.41; Held in Trust: $202,378.50

TOTAL: $7,546,310.55

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Abbott to approve travel for Dan Cullen, Veteran’s Service Officer, to the SDDVA annual workshop in Pierre, August 14 – 17, 2017.

Sue Ganje, Auditor, gave a short follow-up on campaign finances. Commissioners will still need to file a statement of financial interest with the County Auditor’s office not more than fifteen days after filing the candidate’s nominating petitions or, if otherwise nominated, not more than fifteen days after the candidate’s nomination is certified, as per SDCL 12-25-30. And, as per SDCL 3-1A-4, shall, not more than fifteen days after the person assumes office and then not later than the first day of January of every year the person continues to hold the office, file a statement of financial interest setting forth any additions or corrections to any previous statement of financial interest filed pursuant to § 12-25-30.

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Nabholz to approve a pay raise for Dustin Moxon, Jailer, to $13.50 per hour, starting June 27, 2017, as per union contract.

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Abbott, to approve a pay raise for Aaron Eberle, Auditor’s Administrative Assistant, to $12.50 per hour, effective July 31, 2017, as per union contract.

Motion made by Nabholz, seconded by Allen to approve travel and registration fees for all Commissioners, Auditor, Treasurer and Register of Deeds to SD Convention on September 17-20, 2017.

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Nabholz to change the second meeting in September to September 26, 2017 to allow Commissioners to attend the SD Convention.

Jackie Waldner, Community Health Nurse, met with the board to give her quarterly report and discuss her 2018 budget.

Ed Maddox and Ken Kostof met with the board to give updates on the South Dakota Sun Solar energy project. The current project would be at the intersection of State Hwy 18 and 89. This will be the first utility scale solar energy project in South Dakota and will take 300 acres for the project. This will eventually provide power for 10,000 homes. There are various other projects in the U.S., with one in Wyoming being the closest. They, along with others, will continue to keep everyone informed and provide information to the community. They want to be good neighbors.

Lyle Jensen, Building Supervisor, met with the board to approve camera quotes for the jail and S. Annex building. Wally Campbell, Jailer, described the current camera system as not being in sync (audio and visual) and that they are unable to provide accurate evidence. Campbell would also like to have more visual for employee protection and to see more areas of the jail. Motion made by Russell, seconded by Nabholz to approve the quote in the amount of $8,844.83 for camera and equipment for the secured evidence room at the S. Annex building and the quote in the amount of $9,092.16 for jail cameras and video management, and requested Jensen to look for grants, etc., to help offset costs.

Kelli Rhoe, Treasurer, advised the board about the new ICS Account in Lead, SD. Rhoe is getting the needed software taken care of and after one more set of needed signatures is sent, $2,000,000 will be ready to be transferred to that bank.

Jerry Heiser, Butler Machinery, presented a 2017 Cat 950GC loader proposal. Heiser stated that Butler goes through the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) for competitive bids. Discussion was held on the proposed machine, with a NJPA bid in the amount of $295,787. With NJPA member discounts, plus Butler Machinery additional discounts, and additions for Dealer prep, freight and warranty, a final bid price of $196,300. An offer to purchase the county 2007 Volvo in the amount of $50,000 was also made for a trade-in, for a net cost of $146,300.

Randy Seiler, Highway Superintendent, met with the board. Motion made by Russell, seconded by Nabholz to approve the July 2017 fuel transfers to reimburse the highway department for fuel used or work performed as follows: Weed & Pest for $341.90; Sheriff’s Department for $2,442.27; Emergency Management for $113.01; Director of Equalization $193.51; Building for $60.02, Auditor for $15.12; and State’s Attorney for $25.52.

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Nabholz, to surplus the following packers, (1) 2008 Packer, s/n WRC08296, Asset # 0909, and (2) Packer, s/n WRC08297, Asset #0911, as surplus to trade in for 2 new Packers in the total amount of $33,460.

Motion made by Nabholz, seconded by Abbott to approve Amendment #1 to the Work Order for Project BRF 6463(00) 16-1, PCN 05QV, Fall River County, LGA-120-15x. This will be for the structure 0.2 W miles & 0.3 N miles of Burdock on Co. Rd 21.

Gravel crushing bids for 50,000 tons were opened at 10:15 a.m. as advertised. Hills Material submitted a bid of $6.75 per ton, total amount $337,500.00; KD Contracting submitted a bid of $4.25 per ton, total amount of $212,500. Discussion was held on a deadline to finish project, pit location and spot testing of gravel. Motion made by Russell, seconded by Allen, to accept the low bid from KD Construction at $4.25 per ton, for 50,000 tons, for a total of $212,500.

Break was taken at 10:22 p.m. Meeting resumed at 10:30 a.m.

Wade Iszler, RDO, presented a proposal for a quote for a 2018 John Deere 644K, which would be a purchase off the Minnesota State Bid, in the amount of $377,881.00. With discounts applied plus freight and Guaranteed Maintenance paid travel/deductible, and warranty, a final bid price of $226,413.44. An offer to purchase Fall River County’s 2007 Volvo in the amount of $55,000 was also received, for a net bid in the amount of $171,413.44. The commission asked Randy Seiler to look over the two bids and return later in the meeting with a recommendation.

Doug Kinniburgh, Local Government Assistance, SD DOT, met with the board. Ross Eberle, Brosz Engineering was also present. Discussion was held about the Chilson Bridge. Consultants had done an analysis for other options. The state preferred an at grade crossing and that would eliminate the structure. This option would have to have an easement – if it goes to court, that could take a few years. A single span bridge was also discussed. Falkenburg would like to have this worked on as quickly as possible. There have been issues in the past about rocks falling off the hill and trapping people; fire is also a large threat. Nabholz wanted to know if you could blast the road bed and raise the Mickelson Trail and shorten the bridge. That is not an option; the Mickelson Trail can only be at an 8 percent grade. The county would like to know the cost for a single span. Options were discussed, and Kinniburgh noted the requirements for the Mickelson Trail, which the SD Game Fish and Parks must abide by. The board requested information from the state as soon as possible to assist with the county’s decision on the bridge.

Kinniburgh also updated the board on the Igloo project. The state has been doing a ROW record search. There is not as much concern on timeline, like the Chilson Bridge. This project would be estimated to be started in the summer of 2019. Discussion was held about cost, time frame, wetland issues and liability.

Nabholz stated that eight bridges needed fixed, not one and wondered if the county should consider $5 wheel tax for vehicles weighing 6,000 pounds or more, and explained why. Kinniburgh recommended counties leverage everything available for their transportation systems. Bridge Improvement Grants are figured on a point system. Kinniburgh suggested that there were 26 bridges eligible for preservation, while 8 needed replaced. The average age of a bridge is 71 years. Preservation grants are scored slightly different. Falkenburg would like to look at a list of what needs to be done to the bridges.

Paul Nabholz, Commissioner, also discussed the speed limit on Memorial Road with the board. After discussing with Seiler, it was determined that they were talking about two different roads previously. Residents spoke on the speed limit to be 35 mph; as opposed to 55 mph. Discussion was held about safety, keeping the road better by driving slower and open range. Motion made by Nabholz, seconded by Russell to set the 55 mph speed limit to 35 mph at the entry of Hwy 18 on Memorial Road. With Allen voting no, all others voting yes, motion carried.

Nabholz discussed updates on the School and Public Land Lease. No new companies are leasing, but existing leases were renewed.

Public comment was heard from Cindy Brunson, Pat Logue, Susan Henderson and Uriah Luallin. Discussion was held about the Provo water and sewer projects, Battle Mountain Humane Society, trying to dig wells at Igloo and access through private to public lands.

Falkenburg stated that the Flight for Life people would be at the next meeting. Falkenburg stated that he would like Frank Maynard to help with a drought resolution. Maynard stated that they haven’t hit the threshold yet but will follow up on that.

Motion made by Nabholz, seconded by Abbott to approve a letter to our US Congressional Representatives to increase the boundary for prairie dogs on Federal Land bordering private land from 1 mile, rather than the current ½ mile.

Discussion was held on the possible changing of acres required for Ag status. Data was provided from Susie Simkins, Director of Equalization. Falkenburg stated that more smaller parcels now qualify for Ag. Motion made by Russell, seconded by Abbott to lower Ag acres from 60 acres to 40 acres. With Nabholz voting no, all others voting yes, motion carried.

Frank Maynard, Emergency Management, discussed the airplane utilization and believes it is an asset for the county as it is used to inspect oil wells and gas pipelines, search and rescue and floods. Maynard also discussed an issue that came up on Bluebird and Sunflower Lanes, and the needed signs for emergency services. There has never been a plat on these roads; they are done by road easements. Rich Zacher, SD DOT, confirmed this is legal access, but strange. Signs will be ordered. Maynard also advised that the Hot Springs Fire department emergency vehicle needs replacing, and was asked about using Title III funds for this. Maynard will work with the Auditor and bring back to the board.

Maynard discussed fire restrictions; he has been having a conference call each Friday. Maynard still needs uniform restrictions to be created for the county as there are two areas in the county. ISC 402 training has been set for August 7th; from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Maynard will make Fire Department and Law Enforcement aware of this.

Seiler approached the board again with a recommendation to purchase the loader from Butler Machinery. Motion made by Allen, seconded by Nabholz to purchase the cat loader, fixed asset id #2503, asset serial #L120E3V66177, for $230,000 original price, $146,300 after discounts, adjustments and trade-in. Motion made by Russell, seconded by Abbott to surplus the old loader for trade-in on the purchase of the new loader.

Recess for lunch was taken at 12:20 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 1:43 p.m.

Motion made by Abbott, seconded by Russell to approve the bills as follows:

Motion made by Russell, seconded by Abbott to move Director of Equalization and GIS across the street to the old Extension building. With Nabholz and Allen voting no, all others voting yes, motion carries.

The board continued to work on the 2018 budget.

Motion made by Allen, seconded by Nabholz to adjourn the meeting at 3:12 p.m.